Skeletal Muscle Structure and Function

Human body: Has >400 voluntary sk. m., ~40-50% of total body wt. It has 3 major functions: 1) Force generation for movement (most obvious function) 2) Force generation for postural support 3) Heat production during cold stress Attached to bones: By tough connective tissue tendons. • One end attached to a bone that doesn't move (origin) • Opposite end is fixed to a bone (insertion) that is moved in muscular contraction Different movements are possible: depending on type of joint & muscles • Muscles that joint angles = Flexors • Muscles that joint angles = Extensors.